I'm absolutely immersed in the book Team of Rivals right now. One of the most fascinating historical books I've ever read. There's great insight into not only the personality and thought process of Lincoln, but also Seward, Chase, Bates, Stanton, Welles and Blair. One thing I actually wasn't aware of... Edwin Stanton suffered severe vertigo and a fear of heights just like me.

Can anyone recommend any good books on modern Latin American history? The Venezuelan election has piqued my interest and it's one of the areas of the world I never really learned a great deal about in school.

Can anyone recommend any good books on modern Latin American history? The Venezuelan election has piqued my interest and it's one of the areas of the world I never really learned a great deal about in school.

as for Venezuela itself, a Marxist-Leninist professor buddy of mine recommends the following.

Give me reccomendations, I have a week long break and want to indulge my brain with leisurely reads. History (specifically latin american) , philosophy, econ or literature is welcomed

Logged

"In this historic hour, we solemnly pledge ourselves to the principles of humanity and justice, of freedom and socialism. No Executive Order gives you the power to destroy ideas that are eternal and indestructible."-Otto Wels Enabling Act speech, paraphrased

I want to read up on Mexico though. Have you read any good books on my motherland?

Logged

"In this historic hour, we solemnly pledge ourselves to the principles of humanity and justice, of freedom and socialism. No Executive Order gives you the power to destroy ideas that are eternal and indestructible."-Otto Wels Enabling Act speech, paraphrased

way too many. i'm pouring through choice and coercion, sexual reckonings, and a bunch of other books related to a research project on eugenics. on the non assigned end of things i'm finally reading the great divergence. somewhat embarrassing given how frequently this thing is name dropped these days but i had a lot of other things on my plate.

an abridged version of Leon Trotsky - History of the Russian Revolution that I've been meaning to read for some time. he's so much the better writer vs. Stalin that it hurts. no wonder Stalin was a bit jealous.

Logged

I wanna contribute to the chaosI don't wanna watch and then complain,'cause I am through finding blamethat is the decision that I have made

A very light read that hasn't taught me much, this is the time for you wise college graduates to pass your knowledge onto me via reccomendations.

Logged

"In this historic hour, we solemnly pledge ourselves to the principles of humanity and justice, of freedom and socialism. No Executive Order gives you the power to destroy ideas that are eternal and indestructible."-Otto Wels Enabling Act speech, paraphrased

Watergate: A Novel by Thomas Mallon. Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre and Mallon, a master of the art of historical fiction, does not fail to deliver a wonderful, thought provoking literary work.

A Good Fall, a collection of fictional short stories about the Chinese immigrant experience in Flushing, New York. Actually read it before, but have assigned it for a class so I'm going back through it.

I'm also finishing writing my own book, my second. About 20 more pages or so and it will be done.

Logged

"Viewed from the genuine abolition ground, Mr. Lincoln seemed tardy, cold, dull, and indifferent; but measuring him by the sentiment of his country, a sentiment he was bound as a statesman to consult, he was swift, zealous, radical, and determined." Frederick Douglass

I am reading Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail of '72, by Hunter Thompson, and Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead." I have not gotten farther than 30 pages into the Fountainhead, but I am loving Fear and Loathing.

Trump does not have America's interests in mind: he does not know what these are and he does not care to learn. What he cares about is his own ego. He is willing to destroy America and the world to satisfy it.